News and Events

Midco Kicks Off 2016 Construction Season in Fargo

May 16, 2016 – Fargo, ND: Midco has resumed construction in Fargo and today begins work that will bring service to the downtown and north Fargo neighborhoods in 2016. The company expects to complete the remaining 40% of its three-year construction plan this fall. The build-out lays the necessary infrastructure to bring advanced Internet, cable TV and phone services to the city.

“So far, we’ve built out more than 1.7 million feet of new infrastructure in Fargo,” says Clay Stephens, Midco’s Senior Director of Regional Operations. “Since 2014, Midco turned on 580 fiber-optic access points to deliver services to Fargo homes and businesses, and we’ll add 257 more this year. It’s really exciting to see this progress and hear from people in town how they’re happy to have our services.”

Construction Milestones

In addition to starting 2016 work today, Midco is achieving these spring and summer milestones:

Since the spring thaw in April, crews have worked on wrapping up tasks from 2015 project work.

Midco representatives are visiting homes and businesses in the downtown and north Fargo areas to seek property easements, which are necessary to build service availability to every address. Easements allow Midco to place service lines or pedestals in the rear of lots rather than in front of homes.

In early June, Midco will share more information on downtown construction progress after finalizing details with the city.

“We’re also adding the Briarwood development outside Fargo to our construction project, and will build out that neighborhood yet in 2016,” said Justin Forde, Director of Public Affairs for Midco. “We’re evaluating a few other areas outside the city limits, too.”

Delivering Service and Speed

Work completed so far is part of Midco’s $100 million North Dakota investment from 2014 through 2016. This year, Midco will invest $27 million in Fargo alone.

As construction continues, Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead are one step closer to getting Midco Gig in 2016. In March, Midco began limited field trials of the new cable modem technology that makes gigabit possible without fiber. Initial speed tests are positive, and manufacturers are still ramping up production and delivery of the new DOCSIS 3.1 modems.

“Fargo is seeing unprecedented growth, and we’re happy to be a part of it so we can provide customers with the services and great customer service experience they expect,” says Forde. “We’re delivering the technology backbone that will support the growing Internet of Things in homes and businesses, as well as businesses’ need for advanced technology that encourages innovation and opportunity.”

Midco Gig will be available to the entire Midco footprint by the end of 2017.

Community Investment

Midco has been sharing its progress with neighborhoods and community leaders – and also increasing involvement in local organizations and charitable giving.

“Being a part of the community is important to us,” Forde says. “We encourage our Midco team members to make a difference in the great North Dakota communities where they live and work. When we work together, everyone is better.”

This spring, the Midco Foundation awarded $25,600 in grants to 20 nonprofits in Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo. Midco will also complete expansion of its West Fargo operations center this summer and is adding more than 120 Fargo-area jobs over a five-year period.